Largo commissioners approved a ten‑year lease on Tuesday for Dead Bob’s Bar & Restaurant to open its fourth location in the city’s new downtown development, Horizon West Bay. The 2,072‑square‑foot space, located in the parking‑garage building next to an outdoor stage on West Bay Drive, will receive up to $414,400 in city‑funded assistance to finish construction.
Lease terms and financial details
Dead Bob’s, a St. Petersburg neighborhood bar known for burgers, wings and sports viewing, will be responsible for any costs beyond the city’s allowance. The restaurant will pay an initial base rent of $51,800 per year—about $4,317 per month—and the lease includes three five‑year extension options. The agreement gives the operator 210 days after taking possession to complete the build‑out, with rent beginning when the restaurant opens or 300 days after the lease takes effect, whichever occurs first.
City’s downtown activation plan
The lease is part of Largo’s broader “downtown activation plan,” which seeks to fill the commercial spaces built at Horizon West Bay with restaurants, retailers and service businesses. The development, opened this year at 440 West Bay Drive, houses city offices, public gathering areas and storefronts that the city hopes will draw residents and visitors beyond a trip to City Hall.
Dead Bob’s will join other new tenants such as Louis Pappas Fresh Greek, Parlor Doughnuts, Strachan’s Ice Cream and The Tox. Its location includes a patio area adjacent to the outdoor stage, with music permitted as long as it complies with Largo’s noise ordinance and does not unreasonably disturb neighboring tenants.
Other approvals and fiscal debate
In the same meeting, commissioners also approved a lease for Vachelli Modern Italian, a Tampa‑based restaurant planning a roughly 6,443‑square‑foot space along West Bay Drive. Both agreements passed 5‑1, with Commissioner Curtis Holmes casting the lone dissenting vote.
The use of public funds for tenant‑improvement sparked discussion among commissioners. Commissioner Michael DiBrizzi expressed unease about the amount of money involved but argued that the funding is necessary to attract private businesses to the city‑owned spaces that are already built. City Manager John Curp said the city’s contribution is intended to leverage additional private investment, noting that the improvements will remain with the city‑owned properties and generate future property‑tax revenue.
Resident Robert Avery criticized the arrangement, calling it “crony capitalism” and questioning why taxpayers should subsidize the preparation of space for private restaurants. The council did not debate the Dead Bob’s lease itself before the vote.
Looking ahead
No opening date has been announced for Dead Bob’s. The lease gives the restaurant a 210‑day window to complete its build‑out after taking possession, and rent will begin when the venue opens or after 300 days, whichever comes first. Commissioners emphasized that the city now has the space and must make it functional, rather than leaving it vacant.
The approvals reflect Largo’s ongoing effort to create a vibrant downtown core that supports local families, provides gathering places, and stimulates economic growth while balancing prudent use of taxpayer dollars.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
